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Performance SAVvy

Small changes ensure even greater success for BMW’s 2013 X1
by

BMW is renowned for many things in the auto industry, none the least of which is producing luxury cars with superb handling and performance.  But on the marketing and development side, they are also innovators when it comes to creating new niche segments.   In 2009 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the automaker unveiled its all-new X1 model, effectively creating the previously unheard of ‘luxury compact SUV’ segment, or SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) as BMW prefers.

Small, efficient cars are big business these days, and even the luxury brands have cottoned on to this, so it’s probably not surprising that BMW decided to create a downsized version of its highly successful X-range of SAV’s.  In some markets X-models make up as much as 40 percent of BMW sales.

Making the most of their first-mover advantage, BMW went on to sell around 275,000 X1s over the next three years, predominantly in the European market, and Asia and Australia as well. Interestingly though, the X1 has never made it to one of its biggest traditional markets, the US.  

2013 is set to change all that, with the launch of a re-vamped X1 that will be sold in the US and of course other markets too.  

Partly because of its US debut, and partly due to the fact that the segment it created has now become very competitive with a number of new entrants, this year BMW has given the X1 a bit of a facelift, or ‘life-cycle impulse’ as the marketeers say!

On the outside, you will have to look very closely and be a bit of a connoisseur of the previous X1 to notice any significant changes.   Tweaks is probably a better word, and they include a new tripartite air intake (also seen on other X-models), new fog light configuration, and new design xenon headlights.  

Other than these, the car retains its characterstic car-based looks with an elongated bonnet, relatively low roof line (some 12 to 15cm lower than most other SUVs), and shorter wheel base (a full 15cm less than the 3 Series).   Nonetheless, it is clearly a crossover, with ground clearance of nearly 18cm, short overhangs and strong X series DNA.

The more significant changes however are to be found under the bonnet with a line up of new engine options.  The 2013 X1 will come with two petrol engine setups: the N20 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder, twin-scroll turbocharged in the sDrive20i, xDrive20i and xDrive28i; and the N55 3.0 liter, in-line 6 cyclinder, twin-scroll turbocharged variant in the xDrive35i.

The smaller engine is coupled with the same fantastic 8-speed Steptronic gearbox found in the new 3 Series, whereas the 35i still retains the previous 6-speed version.   The new 8-speed transmission has received high praises with its smooth, quick-shifting and intelligent feel, constantly adapting to driving styles and conditions.  Steering wheel mounted shift paddles allow the driver to manually overide and enjoy a more engaging driving experience.

Our test drive vehicle was the sDrive20i or rear-wheel drive version with 184hp and 270Nm of torque, which is certainly enough for city driving in Macau, although we dare say that the xDrive28i, all-wheel-drive with 245hp and 350Nm of torque is likely to be the favourite in terms of overall sales.  It will do 0-100km/h in a respectable 6.1 seconds.

The new powertrains are not only more powerful than the previous X1’s, but also more efficient, featuring brake energy regeneration and Auto Start-Stop function when you are waiting in traffic.

BMW has also included it’s green-concious Eco-Pro mode across the entire X1 range.  With the push of a button, the car’s computer adjusts throttle mapping and gear changes to achive the best possible fuel economy; combined city/highway driving of around 7.7 L/100km for both the 20i and 28i.

As with the original X1, the 2013 model offers excellent driving dynamics, one because it is a BMW and it basically goes without saying, and two because of its more car-like configuration – the X1 is actually 33mm lower to the ground than its larger X3 sibling.  It grips hard into corners on 17-inch alloys, steers accurately, and sends good driver feedback through the electro-mechanical steering setup.

Inside, the X1 has received a minor makeover with some glossy black trim on the re-shaped centre console and addition chrome elements.  It also gets the latest revision of BMW’s iDrive (optional) which is very intuitive and has a display that can split to show two customised sets of information side by side.   And of course high quality interior materials throughout – do we even need to mention it?

Tech-wise, the standard offerings include rear parking sensors, automatic wipers and headlights, Bluetooth phone connection, USB and aux inputs, and a multifunction steering wheel.  Options are extensive and include the BMW App function which allows iPhone fans to play Pandora radio and display facebook and Twitter messages on the iDrive screen.  There’s also a Harmon Kardon sound system upgrade, sat-nav and sunroof add-ons, just to name a few.

BMW claims that 50 percent of X1 buyers are coming to the brand for the first time, and it’s not hard to believe that this compact SAV will serve to bring even more customers to an already very popular marque here in Macau.

 

Visit the BMW Showroom at 120-158 Rua dos Pescadores, Macau / Ph:+853 2827 2227

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